Page 41 of Red Velvet

"With the things you do. It's so out of the ordinary."

"Out of the ordinary doesn't make you a rebel."

"Doesn't it?"

I sigh. She's not basing her assessment on the right factors, but she's not completely off with it either. I wouldn't call my thirst for punishing submissive women rebellious. It's just a kink, something that brings me pleasure, as it does for others.

But other aspects of my life certainly qualify. I'm pretty sure my family would agree.

"Why do you not like to be called a rebel?" she probes, tilting her head to the side. "Being a little rebellious isn’t a bad thing. At least I don't think so."

"It's what you strive to be, isn't it, little girl?"

I meet her gaze, deliberately casting a shadow over mine as I observe her reaction to my question. "That's what you said. Breaking out from the ordinary, experiencing a little adventure, revolting against boredom."

She nods, determination written across her pretty face.

"Does it scare you?" I murmur, leaning in close. "Do I scare you?"

She bites her lower lip, her eyes wide with curious excitement.

It's all the response I need, but she adds a nod nonetheless, making the moment even sweeter.

Chapter 21

Lila

The atmosphere between us shifted so abruptly and so quickly that I was still processing when we made our way upstairs. He told me to walk in front of him so he could look at my ass and revel in all the looks I was drawing to myself as I walked through the room, baring pretty much everything. Heads turned here and there while I stalked through the room, but very few gazes lingered. I’ll admit that receiving this kind of attention is new to me, exciting as it is intimidating.

"I wish you hadn't worn a thong," Kade whispers as he climbs the stairs behind me, underlining his words with a strong squeeze of my ass cheek.

My heart is doing nervous hiccups when we walk down the hallway upstairs, heading to the same red room we used last time, which hugs me with reassuring warmth. I thought I'd calm a little by the time we were out of sight of everybody else, but the opposite is happening when I find myself alone with him, surrounded by blood-colored darkness.

"First things first."

Before I have time to ask what he means, he dashes forward, his hands finding the thin lines of my thong below the garter belt. I yelp in surprise when he manages to tear it apart in one swift but strong motion, leaving my core exposed as the remnants of my new thong fall to the floor.

"I'll reimburse you."

"But—"

"Hush."

He places a finger on my lips, silencing me immediately. I look up at him, unspoken questions stretching between us.

"You were late today," he begins, an ominous tone in his voice. "And while you may think you've had a good excuse, I can only assume you did it because you want to deserve your punishment tonight. Is that right?"

I'm confused at his question. Of course I wasn't late on purpose. Why would he think that?

"No, I was just—"

"Oh, so you're denying it, too?" He shakes his head. "Wrong choice, Lila. Wrong choice."

A shriek flees my lips when he grabs me, pulling me over to the X-shaped cross. He pushes me forward, and I instinctively spread my arms and legs along the lines of the X, facing the wall.

He chuckles behind me, then reaches for my left wrist first.

"So eager," he hisses into my ear while fastening the leather shackle around my wrist. "You can't wait to be spanked, can you? But remember, little girl." He moves closer to my ear, so close that I can almost feel his lips on my earlobe when he adds, "You don't get to pick tonight."

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